As a lifelong Hoboken resident, I always knew our City had a deep sense of community. Our diverse City has come together to celebrate different cultures and often pitched in when other families are in need. Still, nothing compares to the support I have seen between neighbors following the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The commitment to volunteerism, pitching in and watching out for your neighbor is why I know the City of Hoboken will emerge stronger than before.

I have seen businesses across Hoboken offer residents a warm meal. I observed neighbors sharing internet access and electricity so other residents can reach out to their loved ones. We have all witnessed dozens of volunteers give their time and hundreds of residents donating goods so that their neighbors can get by during these difficult times. It proves that water can fill our streets, winds can batter our parks and buildings, but nothing can break this City’s spirit.

As we begin to recover, I pledge to take the same approach we saw from President Obama and Governor Christie, and especially the one I saw among the residents of Hoboken to rebuild. It will take our partners at the federal, state and local level to make sure the community has what it needs. As your voice in Trenton, in the coming days, weeks and months, I will be in contact with our city officials, state executives and federal partners to make sure we are all working together to do what is best for the families and businesses affected by this storm.

So, as we move forward, I hope you will share with me your comments, suggestions and concerns. My office is willing and able to cut the red tape to find solutions to your problems. Please contact my office at (201) 714-9460 or drop by at 70 Hudson Street, 7th floor if you believe state agencies like the Board of Public Utilities, Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Senior Services or the Division of Consumer Affairs can be of any assistance to you. I also hope you may have some suggestions on how we can put our best foot forward to address this disaster.

To all of you who have lost so much, please know you have my thoughts, prayers and support. The Hoboken Community has a long and tried history of rolling up its sleeves and getting the job done, and I know that we will come together and meet the challenges of this recovery period.